To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has conducted on using transparent polythene coverings to prevent the spread of pollen from GM crop trials; and if she will make a statement. [95902]

[holding answer 6 February 2003]: The Department has not conducted research on the use of transparent polythene coverings to prevent the spread of pollen from GM crop trials.We are not averse to polythene covering being used in GM crop trials, but if control of pollen were required, the applicant would have to demonstrate that the use of such sheeting for this purpose was effective.